One of the biggest live performances in the country involving over 1,000 people began its first outdoor rehearsals for the show in County Durham this weekend - take a look at pictures here.

Kynren in 11 Arches Park, Bishop Auckland is set for a triumphant return once again this summer as outdoor rehearsals for the spectacular began on Sunday (May 19).

The 'Epic Tale of England' takes attendees through a re-telling of 2,000 years of English history in a 90-minute set from July 27 to September 14 - with tickets starting at £27 for adults.

More than 1,000 people and a hoard of animals from geese, horses and goats are involved in bringing history to life with feature daring stunts, state-of-the-art special effects, fireworks and evocative orchestral music.

Following the rehearsals, a Kynren spokesperson has praised the hard work of volunteers who will take part in future run-throughs in mid-June and July.

They said: "We have previously had barn rehearsals since the end of February but this was the first chance for our volunteers, especially our new volunteers out on stage and see the scale of the whole operation.

"We had over 1,000 people on site here this weekend - it went really well. It was our first try and we were trying to work out kinks and difficulties but everything went smoothly.

"It was really successful and a lovely thing to see our old volunteers help the newbies. There really is a sense of community, you'd see costumed Vikings having a chat with Romans.

"Everyone is feeling very excited and starting to think wow, this is actually happening!"

Pictures show various volunteers costumed up and running through the show using swords, riding along on horses across all parts of the stage.

Here's a sneak peek at the show ahead of its return with some of the snaps from the first-ever dress rehearsal run-through over the weekend.

The Northern Echo: Kynren dress rehearsals at 11 Arches Park in Bishop Auckland.Kynren dress rehearsals at 11 Arches Park in Bishop Auckland. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

The Northern Echo: Kynren dress rehearsals at 11 Arches Park in Bishop Auckland.Kynren dress rehearsals at 11 Arches Park in Bishop Auckland. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

The Northern Echo: Kynren dress rehearsals at 11 Arches Park in Bishop Auckland.Kynren dress rehearsals at 11 Arches Park in Bishop Auckland. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

The Northern Echo: Kynren dress rehearsals at 11 Arches Park in Bishop Auckland.Kynren dress rehearsals at 11 Arches Park in Bishop Auckland. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

The Northern Echo: Kynren dress rehearsals at 11 Arches Park in Bishop Auckland.Kynren dress rehearsals at 11 Arches Park in Bishop Auckland. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

The Northern Echo: Kynren dress rehearsals at 11 Arches Park in Bishop Auckland.Kynren dress rehearsals at 11 Arches Park in Bishop Auckland. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

The Northern Echo: Kynren dress rehearsals at 11 Arches Park in Bishop Auckland.Kynren dress rehearsals at 11 Arches Park in Bishop Auckland. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

The Northern Echo: Kynren dress rehearsals at 11 Arches Park in Bishop Auckland.Kynren dress rehearsals at 11 Arches Park in Bishop Auckland. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

The Northern Echo: Kynren dress rehearsals at 11 Arches Park in Bishop Auckland.Kynren dress rehearsals at 11 Arches Park in Bishop Auckland. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

The Northern Echo: Kynren dress rehearsals at 11 Arches Park in Bishop Auckland.Kynren dress rehearsals at 11 Arches Park in Bishop Auckland. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

The Northern Echo: Kynren dress rehearsals at 11 Arches Park in Bishop Auckland.Kynren dress rehearsals at 11 Arches Park in Bishop Auckland. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

The Northern Echo: Kynren dress rehearsals at 11 Arches Park in Bishop Auckland.Kynren dress rehearsals at 11 Arches Park in Bishop Auckland. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

The Northern Echo: Kynren dress rehearsals at 11 Arches Park in Bishop Auckland.Kynren dress rehearsals at 11 Arches Park in Bishop Auckland. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

The Northern Echo: Kynren dress rehearsals at 11 Arches Park in Bishop Auckland.Kynren dress rehearsals at 11 Arches Park in Bishop Auckland. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

The Northern Echo: Kynren dress rehearsals at 11 Arches Park in Bishop Auckland.Kynren dress rehearsals at 11 Arches Park in Bishop Auckland. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

The Northern Echo: Kynren dress rehearsals at 11 Arches Park in Bishop Auckland.Kynren dress rehearsals at 11 Arches Park in Bishop Auckland. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

The Northern Echo: Kynren dress rehearsals at 11 Arches Park in Bishop Auckland.Kynren dress rehearsals at 11 Arches Park in Bishop Auckland. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

The Northern Echo: Kynren dress rehearsals at 11 Arches Park in Bishop Auckland.Kynren dress rehearsals at 11 Arches Park in Bishop Auckland. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

The Northern Echo: Kynren dress rehearsals at 11 Arches Park in Bishop Auckland.Kynren dress rehearsals at 11 Arches Park in Bishop Auckland. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

The Northern Echo: Kynren dress rehearsals at 11 Arches Park in Bishop Auckland.Kynren dress rehearsals at 11 Arches Park in Bishop Auckland. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

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The Northern Echo: Kynren dress rehearsals at 11 Arches Park in Bishop Auckland.Kynren dress rehearsals at 11 Arches Park in Bishop Auckland. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

The Northern Echo: Kynren dress rehearsals at 11 Arches Park in Bishop Auckland.Kynren dress rehearsals at 11 Arches Park in Bishop Auckland. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)